What is the best version of radeon r9 290

tacoshmaco89

Reputable
Jul 6, 2014
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4,510
Hello,
I am looking for the best version of the r9 290 4gb to buy. I know overall, it is widely agreed upon that the sapphire vapor-X is the fastest because of its cooling, but I am planning on water cooling it using the next kraken g10 and the kraken x41.
So, cooling aside, what is the fastest version of the 290? Would it make a difference if I got a cheaper version over a more expensive version? It would be better to keep things on the cheaper side, but if it makes difference, I would get the more expensive.
Any feedback would help. Thanks!
 
Solution
The fastest version is the Gigabyte with a factory oc of 1.04 vs the vapor-x at 1.03. But for the price of those cards you can get a reference 290x. The reference cooler sucks but that doesn't matter since you are water cooling. Also a plus with using a reference card is full cover blocks are much easier to find for reference cards if you ever upgrade from the AIO to a custom water loop.

bignastyid

Titan
Moderator
The fastest version is the Gigabyte with a factory oc of 1.04 vs the vapor-x at 1.03. But for the price of those cards you can get a reference 290x. The reference cooler sucks but that doesn't matter since you are water cooling. Also a plus with using a reference card is full cover blocks are much easier to find for reference cards if you ever upgrade from the AIO to a custom water loop.
 
Solution